Preview: Harlequins v Leicester

Harlequins have announced their side that will face Leicester Tigers in Round 3 of the LV= Cup at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.

Harlequins have announced a much-changed side that will face Leicester Tigers in Round 3 of the LV= Cup at the Twickenham Stoop on Saturday.

The side is a mix of both youth and experience as Tom Williams, Harry Sloan, Jordan Turner-Hall and Joe Gray start, making their first appearances after returning from injury; Maurie Fa'asavalu continues his return after a substitute appearance last weekend against the Scarlets.

Karl Dickson captains the side and is joined in the half-backs by Ben Botica. Ollie Lindsay-Hague is named at full-back with Williams and Paul Sackey making up the back three.

In the forwards, George Merrick partners Nick Kennedy in the second row, while Joe Trayfoot, Fa'asavalu and Tom Guest complete the back row.

Among the replacements, John Fisher School's Kieran Treadwell will look to make his first senior appearance for the Club. The England U18 second-row forward has progressed through the EPDG (Elite Player Development Group) and featured in the Aviva 'A' League earlier this season.

Other senior players in the line-up for the trip to the Twickenham Stoop include Scott Hamilton, Adam Thompstone, Matt Smith, Rob Hawkins, Steve Mafi and Thomas Waldrom.

Director of rugby Richard Cockerill gives Tom Bristow his first start for the club at loosehead prop, while Argentina international Pablo Matera is brought into the back row.

Italy U20s tighthead prop Tiziano Pasquali, who has come through the Tigers Academy, and 18-year-old flanker Will Owen, a member of the England U20s squad, are among the replacements.

"There is a good mix of senior players who need competitive game-time and younger guys who are looking to make an impression at this level. It's an opportunity for them all to show what they can do in a tough, competitive fixture away from home," said Cockerill.

Tigers top their pool after wins over the Ospreys and Worcester in the opening two rounds.